Norwegian Cruise Line has taken delivery of Norwegian Joy, the brand’s 15th ship and the first custom-designed for the Chinese cruise market, from German shipbuilders Meyer Werft during an on board ceremony in Bremerhaven.
At 167,725–gross-tons and accommodating 3,883 guests, Norwegian Joy is the second ship in the line’s Breakaway-Plus class and features an innovative design with amenities tailored for Chinese guests.
“Norwegian Joy’s delivery marks a momentous occasion in our company’s history, signifying our official entry into the Chinese cruise market,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer for Norwegian Cruise Line.
“We are very grateful for the outstanding team at Meyer Werft, along with our operations teams and more than 1,800 crew members, whom once again have delivered an exceptional vessel.”
“With this incredible ship, we have taken Norwegian’s signature on board experience and expanded and customised it with exciting features, services and amenities that combine the best of the East and the West,” said David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings China. “We can’t wait to see Norwegian Joy come to life when she welcomes her first guests upon her arrival in China this June.”
Norwegian Cruise Line and Meyer Werft executives at the hand-over ceremony
In advance of the delivery, David Herrera and executives from Norwegian’s offices in China gathered for a traditional blessing from the Chinese Goddess of the Sea, Mazu, to ask for safe and pleasant voyages for the ship and all its guests who set sail.
The ceremony was at the Mazu Temple in Shanghai where, one year ago, the Norwegian team held a ceremony to obtain a blessing for the coins that were used in Norwegian Joy’s Keel laying ceremony, signifying the start of construction in April 2016.
Following this recent visit, a ceramic statue of Mazu was gifted to the company by the temple representatives and brought to Germany for the occasion of the ship delivery. The statue has been given a place of honour aboard Norwegian Joy and will carry the blessings of Mazu on the journey to China.
Norwegian Joy now begins her journey to China, where, after various showcase events, she will be christened in an exclusive star-studded event for honoured guests on 27 June, led by her godfather, the “King of Chinese Pop”, Wang Leehom.
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